Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero placed Guam in Condition of Readiness 3 at 5 p.m. Friday, meaning damaging winds of 39 mph or greater are expected within 48 hours as Tropical Storm Sinlaku continues to intensify.
Conditions will deteriorate sometime around late Sunday.
The latest forecast track from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center shows Sinlaku potentially reaching Category 3 or 4 typhoon status, with sustained winds around 120 mph, as it makes a very close approach passing near or over Guam Monday night into Tuesday.
Locally heavy rainfall is likely, with the potential for 10 to 15 inches near the center of Sinlaku.
The storm was moving west-southwest at 3 mph, and was expected to make a turn toward the northwest with a decrease in forward speed through Saturday, then increase by Sunday.
Maximum sustained winds were 45 mph.
Sinlaku is forecast to intensify for the next several days, possibly becoming a typhoon Saturday evening.
Tropical storm-force winds extend outward from the center up to 140 miles to the north and up to 80 miles to the south.
Maximum wave height is 20 feet.
While the exact path of the storm is not known, forecasters say impacts will be felt farther from the center as the large wind field envelops much of the Mariana Islands.
Preparations
- Those living in flood-prone areas should take action now such as clearing drainage areas and unblocking storm drains to minimize the potential for flooding
- Stay up to date with the latest information
- Clear loose debris around your yard and secure any items, such as tents and canopies, that could become airborne with heavy winds, before inclement weather arrives
- Secure construction sites
- Take down signs such as political campaign signs
- Have an emergency kit prepared: Store enough food and water for your household for 7-10 days. Include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies
- Secure important documents such as birth certificates, tax papers, and insurance documents and keep copies in a waterproof bag
- Review your emergency plan: If you do not have a plan, learn how to create an emergency plan
- Have plans for your family members and pets. If you are a person with disabilities or a caregiver for elderly, you may need to take extra steps to plan for those additional needs.
